InFluences Part 1…

Jazz, there is a lot of debate about what it is, and to be honest, I’m not really sure about what exactly defines it. The one thing I do know however, is that it is a VAST universe, populated by unique characters, misfits, and geniuses.

I get asked a lot about who my favorite bassist or composer is and, in an attempt, to catalogue some of my own influences, I thought it might be fun to share my explorations with you.

I apologize in advance for how long these videos are, but you know me, I wanted to take a deep dive and what better way than to showcase several full concerts. Don’t feel any pressure to listen all at once. I’ll leave this page up forever, so you can come and go as you please and listen at your own pace.

Whenever life gets a little too overwhelming, stop by here and spend a few moments with some of the masters.

Monk:

This is by far my favorite iteration of Monk’s band. Charlie Rouse on tenor was the perfect complement to Monk. Ben Riley on drums (possible my favorite drummer ever) and the sleeper of the group Larry Gales.

Larry had the PULSE! Such a solid and unique bassist. His walking bass solos are so interesting, and creative yet simple. The only other bassist that can do that, in my opinion, is one of my mentor’s Mike Boone.

The standout song is ‘Lulu’s Back in Town’ at time marker 32:39.

Johhny Griffin and Woody Shaw:

I really love playing shows like this, where the band is super close to the audience. It seems a little weird now in a post-Covid world, but the energy of a setup like that is undeniable.

Trumpeter Woody Shaw’s vocabulary always astounds me and pianist John Hicks brings so much energy to the rhythm section.

Mingus:

As a bassist/composer Mingus is a natural influence. Although my writing tends to be of a smaller scope than he utilized, and we have very different temperaments, he is still a big influence.

This video is very interesting, kind of weird, and unique. They are rehearsing (I think) in an empty theatre with their backs to where the audience would be. It looks really neat. I hope one day to make a video like this. Maybe it’ll be sooner rather than later?

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers:

I think my band, at least the ‘Voice = Power’ iteration, most closely resembles the classic Jazz Messengers era. With the main differences being the inclusion of a singer and some instances of more modern ‘Radiohead’ style harmonic language.

I enjoy have piano and two horns, it takes a lot of pressure off the bassist (me) to have to solo on every song. I honestly don’t like bass solos all that much. Every once in a while they are great, but they are best used sparingly.

This hard-swing style is also very common on the Philadelphia scene and feels very comfortable to me.

Bill Evans Trio:

Bill Evans was my introduction to jazz. Particularly his performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival (1968 I believe), with Eddie Gomez (seen here) and Jack Dejohnette.

That performance was not video recorded (or at least I can’t find it), so this will have to do. Eddie Gomez was one of my early influences on bass. I was spellbound by his facility, still working on getting mine there.

This performance is interesting to me. I’ve played many house concerts and I always enjoy it. As you know, I like being physically close to the audience. In my opinion jazz sounds better that way.

Till Next Time…

I hope you enjoyed this, if so send me a line, I’d love to hear from you.

nicholas@nicholaskrolak.com

Perhaps I’ll do some more in the future…